Movie Box Review

The following video clips are from the introduction and Q&A for the screening of Trick 'r Treat with writer/director Michael Dougherty on Thursday August 20, 2009 at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival.

Rue Morgue's Dave Alexander starts the night off with trivia & giveaways:


Rue Morgue's Dave Alexander introduces Trick 'r Treat writer/director Michael Dougherty:


Writer/director Michael Dougherty disusses the inspiration and original short film:


Writer/director Michael Dougherty responds to audience question on the origins of character Sam (spoilers)


Writer/director Michael Dougherty responds to audience question regarding the origins of one of the stories in the film (spoilers)


Writer/director Michael Dougherty response to audience question on if people play tricks on set:


Writer/director Michael Dougherty response to audience question on if will there be a Part 2?


Writer/director Michael Dougherty discusses what he does for Halloween as well as the costuming in the film:


Writer/director Michael Dougherty invites the audience to make their own Halloween short films & art and submit it their contest:


The Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2009 runs from August 14-21, 2009 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The following are videos from Thing-Fest 2008, held on Thursday October 16, 2008 with actor Thomas Waites (Windows) in attendance.

Click here for pictures of the 2008 event held at the Bloor Cinema in Toronto.

Thing-Fest is an annual event hosted by Outpost 31 and includes a screening of The Thing as well as a gallery of props and memorabilia.

For more on Outpost 31 check out their website.

For more about Thomas Waites, check out his website.

Pre-screening introduction. Order of speakers: actor Thomas Waites (Windows), Dave Alexander from Rue Morgue, Todd Cameron from Outpost 31 & Thing-Fest organizer:


Actor Thomas Waites responds to audience question on how he got involved in the film:


Actor Thomas Waites talks about stunts and the origin of the name Windows:


Actor Thomas Waites talks about the importance of rapport between the cast and the rehearsal process:


Actor Thomas Waites talks about the cold during the filming as well as the most impressive story during the process of making the film:


Actor Thomas Waites responds to audience question on if he kept in touch with people from the film:


Response to question regarding the fact that it wasn't a box office success, as well as the strength of the work as a whole:

It was also mentioned that it came out the same year as E.T. which was widely popular and had a very different message. Fans of The Thing will be happy to know the film proudly sits at #169 on the IMDb top 250 list*, one spot ahead of Scarface.

* as of December 7, 2008

In celebration of the first snowy day here in Toronto I've decided it's the perfect time to share the experience of Thing-Fest 2008. Since 2001, Outpost 31 has had an annual celebration of all things The Thing, the 1982 John Carpenter cult horror film. Thing-Fest includes a Thing Gallery (see pictures below) and of course, a screening of the film in glorious 35mm.

This year, the celebration was at The Bloor Cinema here in Toronto on Thursday October 16/08. In addition to the screening and gallery, the audience was treated to a special appearance and Q&A with Thomas Waites who played the character Windows (see video clips of the Q&A here). The night was full of energy and enthusiasm for the cult classic.

For more on Outpost 31 check out their website.

If you are a fan of The Thing you may be particularly interested in their return to Stewart trip where they are planning a trip to Stewart, BC to visit the shooting location of the film.

For more about Thomas Waites, check out his website.

And now, for the pics! If you haven't seen the film, well.. go see it now! Also, be forewarned that the images include spoilers.

Billboard at The Bloor Cinema


Healthy pre-screening line up.




Actor Thomas Waites (Windows) with Dave Alexander of Rue Morgue


Actor Thomas Waites (Windows) with Dave Alexander of Rue Morgue


Actor Thomas Waites


Gallery of props and memorabilia from the film

Dirs: Jaume Balagueró & Paco Plaza
Cast: Manuela Velasco, Pablo Rosso, Javier Botet, Carlos Lasarte, Maria Lanau, Vicente Gil
Spain, release date TBD

Seen: September 18, 2008 at the Bloor as part of Rue Morgue Cinemacabre Movie Night

Reason to see: I've been hearing rave reviews about this film for ages and it is not likely to get a regular release so I jumped at the chance to see it on the big screen.

Wow, this was well worth seeing in the theatre which I knew would be the case considering the viral marketing that was a trailer showing the audience reaction. [REC] fells like a fresh take on the classic horror genre even though they don't reinvent the wheel or anything but the take you on one smooth ride of scares. It works so well in building suspense and allows the audiences imagination run wild. Scary as all get out, I was jumping and giggling throughout the film. A must see for horror fans.

Warnings: Violence, gore and a lot of shaky cam

[REC] has an American remake called Quarantine slotted to be released October 10, 2008. I'd highly recommend seeing the original.

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'll buy it
I'd recommend it to all horror fans

Lots of preshow including trivia & giveaways, Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008 trailer and announcement about the festival and vintage trailers: Shocker, Night Breed and Billy Jack.

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© Shannon Ridler, 2008